Fastening and Joining Research Institute  The objective of this institute is to enhance the reliability and safety of metallic, composite and polymeric joints by advancing the science and technology of mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, welding and riveting. The institute is a one-of-a-kind facility that pursues fundamental and applied research to develop and disseminate new technologies for the fastening and joining of metals, composites and polymers. The Institute develops and disseminates novel advanced technologies in the areas of automated assembly of bolted joints, adhesive bonding of composites, resistance welding and riveting, a niche area that significantly impacts the safety and reliability of many products. |
Magnetoelectric Multilayer Composites for Field Conversion This technology is a magnetoelectric multilayer composite comprised of alternate layers of a bimetal ferrite and a piezoelectric material for facilitating conversion of an electric field into a magnetic field, or vice versa. The preferred composites include cobalt, nickel, or lithium zinc ferrite and PZT films that are arranged in a bilayer or in alternating layers, laminated, and sintered at high temperature. The composites are useful in sensors for detection of magnetic fields; sensors for measuring rotation speed, linear speed, or acceleration; read-heads in storage devices by converting bits in magnetic storage devices to electrical signals; magnetoelectric media for storing information; and high frequency devices for electric field control of magnetic devices or magnetic field control of electric devices. |
Textile-Related Technology for Use in Ballistic Resistant Vests  This technology incorporates a new method and process for making ballistic resistant protective gear such as bullet proof vests. A vest of this design is relatively comfortable and maximizes the protective and degradation properties of the material. The protective properties derive from the development of a composite fabric containing Kevlar that reduces bulk density. It is designed to withstand low to high levels of piercing and is anticipated to be rated as high as a type IV (with a steel plate insert) on the National Institutes of Justice rating scale: protection against .30 caliber armor piercing (AP) bullets (U.S. Military designation M2 AP), with nominal masses of 10.8 g (166 gr) impacting at a maximum velocity of 869 m/s (2850 ft/s) or less. |
Thermally Conductive Carbon Resins  Dr. King leads a general focus effort at MTU in the area of thermally conductive resins. Specifically, her effort is focused on adding carbon to a variety of materials which to date have included wood, asphalt, and polymers. (See CTC web page, projects section) In previous years, she has experienced reasonable success in attracting both industrial and public funding for her work from Conoco, Louisiana Pacific and the National Science Foundation. |
Frontier Carbon Materials Dr. Yap leads a very focused effort in the atomic bonding control of frontier carbon materials. The majority of his time is specifically spent improving recent innovations in the field such as growing carbon-nitride crystals at 800C and 15 atm. Approximately half of Dr. Yap’s work could be classified as highly theoretical with a 10-15 year discovery horizon and the other half being directed in the general direction of a more near term application (5 year horizon). |
Surface Science and Nano-Tribology Laboratory (SSNTL) The Surface Science and Nano-Tribology Laboratory (SSNTL) is equipped with a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM), a Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM), a Nano Indenter XP system, a Localized Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (LEIS) and other major equipment. Ongoing activities includes studies of surface mechanics and nano-tribology, as well as surface structure of polymeric coatings and other molecular films, and corrosion mechanisms at the micro and nano-scale. For example, a modified SPM has been used to study mechanical properties of nanomaterial and the newly developed Localized Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscope (LEIS) enables measurement of the impedance dot by dot with a resolution of microns while it scans across the surface of sample. Combined with Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM), that can image surface morphology with nano and sub-nano resolution, this technology allows investigation of corrosion mechanism in micro and nano-scale. Other areas of expertise include the mechanisms of fouling release coatings (nanotribological properties of non-toxic fouling release coating systems) and micro mar resistance (MMR), and different responses of the coatings/materials to scratch stress. |
National Dendrimer and Nanotechnology Center  The National Dendrimer and Nanotechnology Center is the catalyst for dendrimer-based research initiatives. The Center’s current research agenda focuses on several types of dendrimer and nanoscale sciences: Drug encapsulation, release and disease targeting protocols are being established and tested for cancer therapy and anti-flammatory drug systems using a range of dendrimer carrier structures; researching cytotoxicity of dendrimers and other nanoscale structures; the use of dendrimers as a catalyst in the production of carbon nanotubes at the lowest temperatures recorded; the attachment of oligonucleotides to dendrimers for targeting, amplification or detection in biological systems; development of nuclear magnetic reagents which allow higher resolution and site specific targeting to disease or inflammation; stabilization of nano-crystals or quantum dots with unique optical, electronic or other properties for use in bio-labeling, and flat panel display technologies; development of lower-cost synthetic routes to new proprietary dendrimers and dendritic polymers; development of dendrimers as in-vivo nano-diagnostic agents and devices. |
Institute of Materials Processing (IMP) The institute focuses on the extraction, processing, recycling, and utilization of materials and resources. They conduct sponsored technology development, research, problem solving, training, and technology services for MTU, the state of Michigan, other governmental units, and industry. Materials studied include metallics, ceramics, polymers, composites, minerals, and industrial processing wastes. Expertise includes bench-top experimentation through process development, pilot plant scale-up, and commercialization.
Personnel at IMP work closely with faculty members in the academic departments. Since the major focus of the institute, however, is toward accelerating technology transfer into the marketplace, most staff members are full-time, nonteaching research professionals. When necessary, the institute can enter into confidentiality agreements with research sponsors and can undertake both proprietary and classified work. Cooperative development programs with other organizations are also strongly encouraged.
IMP can provide full or partial student support for advanced research in the materials and resource processing areas. |
Light Scattering Techniques for Reliable Characterization of Ferrelectric Thin Films of Ba(Sr)TiO3 and Carbon Nanotubes This research has yielded new knowledge and applications for light scattering techniques such as photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy in the investigation of the optical properties technologically important materials. Electronic and vibrational energy levels in material samples are inferred from laser light scatter data. Pressure and temperature perturbations allows characterization of new materials and better understanding of their functional properties. |
Optimization of the Conductivity and Transparency of ITO Thin Films This research program is broadly defined as a study of the electrical, optical, chemical and structural characteristics of Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) deposited on Glass and Polymer substrates. Indium Tin Oxide is a transparent, conducting material with a variety of applications in display devices, photovoltaic devices and heat reflecting mirrors. Basic understanding of the material properties from energy band structure calculations, deposition parameters are the key tasks in this research effort. The sheet resistances, optical transmittances and microstructures are determined using four-point probe, spectrophotometer, x-ray diffractometer and transmission electron microscope. |
Fracture of Ceramics at High Strain Rates This research program is designed to yield understanding of the influence of microstructure on the high strain rate behavior of ceramic materials. High strain rate experiments are being conducted on ceramics fabricated in the laboratory so that control over the micro-structural features can be maintained. Initial work has focused on high purity aluminum oxide which was densified without the aid of sintering additives while still maintaining a fine grain size of 1-2 xb5m. Variations in grain size and porosity are achieved using additional heat treatment. Damage in shock loaded specimens is evaluated using a variety of techniques. The information from these systematic investigations is being used to develop models which will include the effects of microstructure as well as the loading conditions on deformation and fracture behavior. |
Solidification of Ceramics This research program represents an investigation of the solidification of ceramics as an alternative processing route and as a means of providing ancillary data for a plasma spraying program (Plasma Deposition for Coating Applications). The commercialization of these materials depends on the ability to achieve high critical current densities (Jc), but the necessary Jc values have not been achieved in sintered material. The approach being explored is to eliminate as much nonsuperconducting grain boundary as possible by aligning the grain boundaries so that applied supercurrents could run parallel to the boundaries with the eventual goal of producing single crystals. |
Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to Analyze Surface Energy of Pull-off (Adhesion) Forces Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is capable of characterizing solid surfaces at the microscopic and sub-microscopic scales. As demonstrated in several laboratories in recent years, it can also be used to determine the surface tension of solids based on adhesion (pull-off) force measurements. Before AFM force measurements can become an accepted technique for particle-substrate adhesion characterization, individual problems causing irreproducibility of the measurement must be resolved. This is particularly important in the measurement of pull-off forces in very complex geometry systems that are of importance to the industry. For example, this research program has resulted in measures of the adhesion forces between pharmaceutical particles with irregular geometry and polymeric surfaces of varying roughness in a gas of controlled humidity level. |
Recovery of Polystyrene in Lost Foam This technology emerged from a research program initiated to assist the metal casting industry in prevention of polymer waste disposal, and to promote engineering solutions leading to reuse of the polymer. Our research strategy was based the principles of modern mineral processing technology to polymer recovery. The program includes particulate characterization, examination of surface-interfacial properties of the pattern components, development of an analytical technique for contaminant concentration measurements, shredding and size reduction, and selective separation testing based on component density. Our results indicate that as high as 98% of the polystyrene can be recovered, while the level of coating contaminants did not exceed 5 wt% in the final product, after using the developed technology. |
Purification of PET from PVC A technology involving treatment of PET and PVC particles with alkaline solutions followed by froth flotation of PVC with noinonc surfactants has been developed. In development research, this technology yielded 95-100% recovery of PET and PVC in separate products from a variety of PVC/PET mixtures. |
Heteroepitaxial growth on compliant substrates This program of research is focused on the fabrication, characterization, and properties of nanoscale layered structures. Additional concentrations include the integration of dissimilar materials through wafer bonding and the relationship between structural, optical and electronic properties of heterostructures. |
Fibers and Composites for Orthopedic Applications This program of research interests is oriented toward fabrication and characterizing polymeric fibers and composites, particularly focused on orthopedic applications. As such, the program incorporates expertise for designing assistive technology devices. Extended capabilities include research on the nanomechanical properties of hot compacted composites and wear of hot compacted composites for total hip replacements, particularly, fabrication of low-wear materials for total hip replacements. The research program offers expertise in nano-mechanical properties of materials, the thermomechanical properties of polymers, fabrication and hot compaction of polymer fiber composites. |
Environment-induced Embrittlement of Intermetallic Alloys Several intermetallics are extremely susceptible to embrittlement by water vapor; among these are the iron aluminides, alloys which otherwise have considerable promise as structural materials because of their low density, high resistance to corrosion and oxidation, and low cost. It is suspected that for these materials hydrogen embrittlement results from the reaction of the alloy surface with water vapor. This program of research incorporates measurements of fracture toughness and sub-critical crack growth under controlled chemical and electrochemical conditions to gain information about the kinetics of embrittlement. Structural characterization includes transmission electron microscopy. |
Exploiting Low-density Intermetallic Alloys New cubic trialuminides based on titanium have been formed recently by selective alloying with chromium or manganese. These new low density alloys have good strength at high temperatures and excellent oxidation resistance. In this research program, ductility enhancement is being established through determination of the nature of the dislocations carrying the deformation by means of transmission electron microscopy and computer simulation of images. Exploitation of these materials as thermally sprayed protective coatings for a variety of materials is also being studied, as is their use in intermetallic composites formed with various ceramic reinforcements. Finally, ultrahigh pressure hot isostatic pressing of mechanically alloyed trialuminides is being examined as a means of producing nanostructured versions of these materials. |
High Transition Temperature Shape Memory Alloys Selected site substitution alloying is being used to develop new high transition temperature shape memory alloys. Currently available alloys are restricted in their use to temperatures of the order of 100C or less. Most potential high transition temperature shape memory alloys based on intermetallics are brittle, but in many cases can be ductilized through selected alloying. Similarly, the shape-memory effect can be enhanced by manipulating the balance between deformation by slip and twinning. |
Electronic structure and transport properties of thermoelectric materials This work is focused on computational condensed matter physics and materials science, in particular the electronic structure problem in semiconductors and complex materials. Computers are used as powerful microscopes to investigate the quantum properties that technology exploits to build new solid state devices. Solar cells, lasers and IR-detectors use semiconductor materials that are created ad hoc to optimize functions like light emission and detection. The research is aimed at optimizing the interesting properties of these materials by performing both semi-empirical and first principles calculations. |
Materials Processing, Prototyping and Recycling This research program is focused on the processing, prototyping and recycling of plastics and composite materials. Recent focus has been on the effects of flatwise tensile strength and shear strength when using recycled epoxy/fiberglass composite powder as a filler material in fiberglass and foam core sandwich panels. Additional work has been devoted to an alternative mechanical peel testing method for composite fiberglass foam core sandwiches. |
Wide-Band Magnetoelectric Interactions in Single Crystal Multiferroic Bilayers Materials that are capable of magnetic field-to-electric field conversion are potentially useful for a variety of technologies. There are few such magneto-electric materials in nature and most of them have a low efficiency when converting fields. This research is aimed at artificial composite materials with excellent conversion properties. The composites will be made by bonding plates of ferrites, which deform in a magnetic field, together with ferroelectrics, which produce an electric field when deformed. The field conversion properties will be studied over a wide frequency range for information on their use in consumer electronics, communication devices, and radar systems. These projects will provide research training for personnel at all levels, from high school sophomores to post doctoral associates.
A comprehensive research program is planned on wide-band magnetoelectric (ME) interactions in bilayers of single crystal ferrites and ferroelectrics. The electromagnetic coupling in such systems is mediated by mechanical stress: magnetostriction induced mechanical deformation and the piezoelectric effect induced electric fields. Theories predict orders of magnitude stronger ME interactions in single crystals compared to polycrystalline multilayers. The primary tasks and goals are as follows. (i) The fabrication of bilayers consisting of spinel ferrites and piezoelectrics by bonding techniques. (ii) Measurement and analysis of ME dispersion characteristics, including Maxwell-Wagner relaxation, and low-frequency ME effects. (iii) Investigations on resonant ME effect when the electric and magnetic subsystems show resonance behavior. Human resource development will involve personnel at all levels, from high school students to research associates. The ME materials are potential candidates for magnetoelectric memory devices, magnetic field sensors, electrically controlled magnetic devices, and magnetically controlled piezoelectric devices. |
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